Energy Efficiency " Conservation of your Money ?"

Energy efficiency isn't only about conservation of energy, it is also about conservation of your money. There are a few obvious ways to do this such as to replace all of your traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescents, add insulation, upgrade your furnace, install a heat pump, or make sure all drafty doors and windows are sealed. Although all of these things cost money, over time they will pay for themselves. However, even the little things (lightbulbs!) can save you a substantial amount of money on your energy bill (PGE rate increase, anybody?) while conserving a LOT of energy.


What I really want to focus on is the Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). Many people haven't heard of these but they have been around for decades. EEMs can help you do a green renovation to an existing home or fund the construction of a new home. Call your Mortgage Broker or Lender and ask them about EEMs. If they have no idea what you are talking about, call around until you find one who does. Although all lenders COULD offer EEMs, not all do. A good place to start would be Earth Advantage, here in Portland. http://www.earthadvantage.com/financing/

How they work:

A broker or lender doing an EEM will calculate, using a certified third party ratings guide, how much you could save by doing a green renovation. Whether that means replacing old appliances with energy efficient appliances, calculating the benefit of green building practices on new construction, or adding insulation, etc., they will add this savings to your income. This will also enable you to buy more house by improving your debt-to-income ratio and, although your loan may be higher, the EEM is calculated so that the energy savings should make up for it.

Here is a list of third-party certification programs and links to their websites so you can see what their systems are:

Energy Star - http://www.energystar.gov

Built Green - http://www.builtgreen.net

RESNET Home Energy Ratings - http://www.RESNET.us

LEED - http://www.USGBC.org/LEED/homes

American Lung Association Health House - http://www.healthhouse.org

Made with my iPhone on 09/21/2008 at Kanaha Beach / Maui / Hawaii